Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of Paris in December! 🎄✨ Your ultimate guide to the best experiences awaits, so buckle up for a festive adventure in one of the most magical cities on Earth. December in Paris brings Holiday Markets, stunning window displays and cozy cafe vibes, and the kickoff of the peak Holiday Season.
Discover the top-notch places to eat, sip, and stay as we unveil the must-see events happening throughout the city this month. But be warned, Paris in December comes with a chill in the air, so layer up for your exploration. Picture yourself strolling through twinkling Holiday markets like the one outside Notre Dame or enjoying a warm drink on a charming terrace like Cafe de Flore – it’s the perfect way to embrace the season.
Keep in mind that December marks the peak of the holiday season, making it an ideal time to witness Paris in all its festive glory. With airfare hitting its yearly high, seize this spectacular moment to immerse yourself in the beauty of the City of Lights.
And here’s a little secret – consider planning a personalized tour with Yanique, our Founder and local tour guide (myparisianlifeshop.com)
Dive deep into Parisian culture, fashion, food, and more, tailoring your experience to match your unique interests and curiosities.
Don’t hesitate any longer! Kick off the Holiday season with a trip to Paris, France. Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself later. On y va mes cherie! 🇫🇷🌟
Here are our Top 5 Hotels for the Holiday Season in Paris
1.) Le Meurice: Perfectly situated in the heart of Paris, Le Meurice is the perfect place to stay in Paris to experience the magic of the Holidays. Located on the famous rue de Rivoli, only a short walk to the Louvre, and a view of the Tuileries Garden from your room… What more could you ask for! The bonus of staying here in December is that you will be right across the street from one of the many Holiday Markets in Paris.
2.) Millesime Hotel: Located in the heart of Quartier Saint Germain des Pres, formerly known as old school Paris. This hotel is a new edition to the neighborhood. Millesime Hotel is situated on a quiet street where you will find the famous church along Boulevard Saint Germain. This is the perfect accommodation if you are looking for a simplistic design, modern nuances, and an ideal location.
3.) Hotel Sooki: This is a hotel that has a wonderful mix of quirky, cool, and stylish. It also has a fantastic cafe and lounge playing jazz in the foyer! Definitely a great hotel for a girls weekend trip to Paris. This hotel has gained recognition over the past couple months for its fantastic brunch, and lively energy that flows throughout the hotel. Waking up in Hotel Sooki Paris will instantly bring you joy!
4.) Mandarin Oriental Paris: If you are looking for a fulfilling and wholesome stay look no further than Rue Saint Honoré’s gem of a hotel, the Mandarin Oriental. You will discover the Paris of yesterday, today, and tomorrow by immersing yourself in all the unique amenities that the hotel has to offer. The Mandarin Orientals mission is to provide the “joie de vivre” through cultural experiences, culinary indulgences, and wellness offerings. This is perfect for the person looking for a rejuvenating stay of the mind, body and soul.
5.) Nolinski Paris: Here you will find a homey stay with simplistic designs. This hotel takes the nobility nuance of old Paris, with iconic pieces, crown moldings, and ceramics with interplays of lights and mirrors. It is a wonderful place to kick back and relax after a long day of exploring, you can even enjoy a drink at their unique eccentric cocktail bar.
Restaurants
Here are our Top 5 restaurants for December
1.) Ake, Table et Vin: Only steps away from the Canal Saint Martin, Ake is a breath of fresh air. This is a restaurant that has a small seasonal menu and it is recommended that you order the entire menu to immerse yourself in the culinary experience that the chefs have curated. There is one consistent item on the menu created by chef Linda Granebring; it is the Pavlova. The Pavlova is meringue paired with cream caramel and candied ginger. The perfect Holiday dessert to finish off your meal.
2.) yam’Tcha: This is a restaurant that you need to plan to visit, with reservations being taken for a month in advance yam’Tcha is a seamless connection between the Asian ingredients and French cooking techniques. You must try their Morello Cherry Steamed Bao Bun and shrimp chips alongside pork wonton soup. The only difficult decision to make is whether to do the tea or wine pairing.
3.) Le Rigmarole: Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris is one of the most unique tasting menus in town. Le Rigmarole offers a wide variety of biodynamic Natural wines. This is the perfect spot for solo or duo dinners since the best seat in the restaurant is along the chef’s counter. There you will be served fresh ingredients that include pigeon, oysters, salmon, endive, and leeks to create dishes served Omakase style.
4.) Allard: is a bistro known both for the beauty of the room and what’s on the plate. Allard is the last of its kind, attracting both locals and tourists to dine on French classics with a twist. You will enjoy dishes like duck with green olives (which is so delectable), the iconic “frog legs”, and poached turbot. You will leave having the ultimate Parisian dining experience.
5.) Le 52: This is perfect if you’re looking for a casual hangout spot with a modern take on the French brasserie. Le 52 is the 10th arrondissement’s “neighborhood spot”. Where locals know the servers and they come both for the company and the food. The menu will change once a month depending on the season’s offerings. You will discover dishes like pork cheek cannelloni served with parsnips and brussel spots. You then must complete your meal like a French, with something sweet! You might have something like a twist on the Île Flottante.
Activities for the Holidays in Paris
Here are our top 5 activities for the Holiday Season in Paris
1.) Walk along the Champs Elysees: You can’t come to Paris without visiting one of the most beautiful avenues in the world and one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. This is the perfect spot to find a variety of shops and to have a mini holiday shopping spree . A bonus is for coming during the month of December is that you will see the avenue lit up all the way until you get to the iconic “Arc de Triomphe”.
2.) Marche Enfants Rouge: This is the perfect activity for any “foodie”. Enfants Rouge is a 17th-century market with numerous stalls that offer a variety of fresh fruits, flowers, and wonderful small eateries. You are bound to find something to satisfy your taste buds. This experience will warm the body and soul.
3.) Crazy Horse: The days become shorter in the month of December, which means that the temperature in the evening drops quite low in Paris. Therefore, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a classic cabaret show in Paris. Crazy Horse is a traditional Parisian cabaret show perfumed by female dancers with a diverse range of music and magic. You will be stunned by this remarkable cabaret show.
4.) Un faire du pause at Cafe de Flore: Paris is a city that is best seen on foot, and getting lost is the best way to discover the hidden gems of the city. But this means taking a break to sit back, relax and do some people-watching. What better way to do that then grab a drink at the famous Cafe de Flore, Located in the 6th arrondissement, Cafe de Flore has become a destination for tourists around the world to dine where famous writers such as Hemingway once did.
5.) Passage des Panoramas: Amongst one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, Passage des Panoramas is a must see! It is designed with mismatched tile flooring and unique architecture, it’s a feast for the eyes. When you visit during the month of December you will be able to see the beauty of the Holidays come to life with the numerous shops magical window displays
Best Holiday Markets in Paris
Here are our top 3 Holiday Markets in Paris:
1.Le Magie de Noël: From Rue de Pyramides to Place de la Concorde is by far the largest Holiday market in Paris. Attracting over 13 million people each holiday season this half carnival half holiday market is one not to be missed. It’s perfectly located in the heart of Paris only steps away from the Louvre.
2.) Notre Dame Marché de Noël: Located in Square Viviani, this is the most traditional French Holiday market in all of Paris. Situated along Quai Montebello you will be pleased to find stalls with Vin Chaud, roasted chestnuts, handcrafted french goods, and gourmet French delicacies.
3.) Hotel de Ville Marché de Noel: this Holiday market makes you feel like you are in an enchanted evergreen forest, chalets offering” Made in France” gifts, and stalls serving traditional seasonal food such as mulled wine, raclette, and freshly crisped crepes with nutella. This Marché Noël is perfect if you are traveling with kids or a lover of the Holiday season.
December Weather in Paris
The days are growing shorter and the days are now colder.. The month of December in Paris is when the weather is brisk, and chilly, and now all the layers are needed to stay warm. .
The temperatures in Paris during December become quite cold to kick off the winter . We are in the beginning of the Winter season. It can get as high as 55 degrees F (13 C) and as low as 25 degrees F (-3C).
I would say that December is one of the most magical months to visit Paris if you want to embrace the holiday season. You can expect to experience cold days with a light wind chill, a rain shower here and there, and maybe even a spontaneous snow shower. Let’s just say December in Paris is truly ”Winter Wonderland”.
What to Pack in December for Paris
Think layers and cooler weather that’s here to stay for some time!
Comfortable walking shoes
Boots (for the rain or snow)
Cardigan for layering
Winter Coat of your choice
Scarf both for outerwear and for a fashion statement.
A long-sleeved sweater dress (perfect for day to night)
Tights
Corduroy pants for warmth